NBA on NBC Returns After 23 Years, But Today’s Players Are Clueless

The NBA has made a celebrated return to NBC. This marks the first time the league will air on the network in over two decades. The deal brings back one of sports television’s most iconic brands.

According to The Athletic, the last NBA game broadcast on NBC was the 2002 Finals. The revival is a major shift in the media landscape for professional basketball.

A Blast from the Past Meets a New Generation

The October 21st season opener was a nostalgia-filled event. The broadcast featured the classic “NBA on NBC” branding and opening montage. It highlighted legends like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson.

The iconic “Roundball Rock” theme music also made its return. Composer John Tesh’s anthem is deeply associated with 90s basketball for many fans.

For the current players, however, the references fell flat. Many of the league’s young stars were not even born when NBC last aired games. This created a noticeable generation gap during the much-hyped return.

Young Stars Have No Memory of the Original Run

When asked about the original “NBA on NBC” era, players responded with confusion. Their reactions underscore the passage of time since the network last held broadcast rights.

Oklahoma City Thunder MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was direct. “The NBA and NBC? I have no… none, zero,” he told The Athletic.

His teammate Chet Holmgren was even more blunt. “I wasn’t alive, man,” Holmgren stated. San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama, born in 2004, was stunned by the question itself.

This collective lack of recognition highlights the challenge of leveraging nostalgia for a modern audience. The broadcast’s celebrated history is simply not part of these athletes’ lived experience.

Broadcast Receives a Mixed Report Card

The return broadcast faced some technical difficulties. Awful Announcing reported audio issues at the start of the coverage. This slightly marred the highly anticipated premiere.

The new pre-game panel featured Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, and Carmelo Anthony. Hosted by Maria Taylor, the analysis was competent but had initial stumbles. Critics noted the conversation took time to find its rhythm.

Despite the bumps, the production’s overall presentation was praised. Player interviews and the nostalgic opening sequences were seen as strong points. The network has a full season to refine its new-old basketball product.

The return of the NBA on NBC is a major moment for long-time fans. Yet its success hinges on winning over a new generation of viewers and players who are experiencing it for the very first time.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the “NBA on NBC”?

It is the branding for the National Basketball Association’s television coverage on NBC. The network previously broadcast games from 1990 to 2002.

When did NBC get NBA rights back?

NBC secured a new broadcast package starting with the 2025-2026 season. The deal was officially announced in July 2024.

What is “Roundball Rock”?

“Roundball Rock” is the iconic theme music composed by John Tesh for the original “NBA on NBC” broadcasts. It returned for the 2025 season premiere.

How did players react to the return?

Many of the league’s younger stars had no memory of the original broadcasts. Several noted they were not alive or were too young to remember it.

Was the broadcast well-received?

Reviews were mixed. The nostalgia was praised, but the premiere faced some technical issues and a pre-game show that took time to warm up.

Trusted Sources

The Athletic, Awful Announcing, Associated Press.